Paris is, of course, the city of love. But the French capital is so much more than a romantic getaway. From cultural institutions that offer an insight into art and history, to high-end fashion stores and some of the best restaurants on the planet. A city synonymous with food, fun and shopping, it’s hard to know where to begin.

Fortunately, we’ve teamed up with travel bloggers and put together this comprehensive Paris Tourism Guide. Our guide will get you started, then let charming Paris lead you down new streets and make your own discoveries in the City of Love.

Enjoy the best of Paris from incomparable art, unmatched architecture, sophisticated fashion, exciting shopping, tempting gastronomy and much more. Paris’ perpetual energy makes it a fun destination anytime of the year.

Things to do in Paris

Top Attractions in Paris

It’s hard to know where to begin when listing attractions in Paris, there is simply too large a list of unique museums, galleries, and architecture to mention here. However, a few of the most famous and best are listed below.

The Musée du Louvre, located conveniently on the bank of the Seine in a former royal palace, is home to an inexhaustible list of famous artworks, from Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo. In fact, it is the largest and most visited art museum in the world, attracting more than 8 million visitors in 2017.

Arguably the most iconic symbol of the city, the Eiffel Tower has dominated the Paris skyline since 1889. Like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower breaks records too, as it is the most visited paid monument in the world. Head up to the observation deck to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Paris.

Alternatively, visitors can always head for some high-octane fun at Disneyland Paris, Europe’s answer to the bigger American counterpart. Located just 20 miles to the east of central Paris, this is the most visited theme park in all of Europe.

Standing at 300 metres tall, Gustave Eiffel’s Tower affords those intrepid enough to climb the 1,665 steps (and those who prefer the lift!) Exceptional 360⁰ views across Paris’ cityscape. The structure, described by the poet Jean Cocteau as the “beautiful lace giraffe”, is split into three floors and includes restaurants, shops and a champagne bar at the top!

As mentioned, the amount of activities and attractions available within Paris is absolutely vast, so this list is by no means definitive. However, these popular landmarks and locations make a wonderful place to start.

Eiffel Tower

Standing at an incredible 324 metres, this iconic building dominates the Paris skyline and is not only the most iconic symbol of this city, but of France. The Eiffell Tower is a must visit, and is indeed the most-visited paid monument in the world. During its construction, the Eiffel Tower became the tallest man-made structure in the world, and today the view it offers of Paris is second to none.

You can enjoy a 360 panoramic view from the top, with the Eiffel Tower being open to visitors 365 days a year. For those who are a little more grounded, you can have fantastic views of the “La dame de per”, or rather, The Iron Lady from the Champ de mars – a open, green space perfect for a picnic with a view or a light show at night, when the Eiffel Tower is beautifully lit as a beacon that brightens the city.

Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

Arc de Triomphe

Standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe is another iconic symbol of Paris. Inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus, the Arc de Triomphe honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. You can admire the arch from below at the ground level or when passing by in a car. Alternatively, the views at the top of the Arc de Triomphe is a great alternative to the Eiffel Tower if you want to avoid the queues.

Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France

Pont Neuf

Pont Neuf, (‘New Bridge’ in English) is ironically the oldest bridge across the Seine. This bridge dates back to the late 16th century, when Henry IV ordered its construction. Today, this beautiful bridge draws both locals and visitors alike.

The Pont Nerf links the left and the right banks of the Île de la Cité, one of two tiny islands situated in the the middle of the Seine in the centre of Paris. This particular island is home to Notre-Dame, one of the world’s most known cathedrals for it’s featuring in the internationally loved disney film ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. Take a wonder across this magnificent bridge and discover what was once considered the epicentre of Paris on Île de la Cité.

Address: 75001 Paris, France

Lourve Museum

One of the world’s most famous museums, Louvre houses not only some of the most celebrated artistic works known to man, such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, but is also an excellent place to spend an hour or two getting lost amongst these wonderful surroundings.

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Notre Dame Cathedral

Idyllically situated on the Île de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral is perhaps the finest example. Despite having inflicted significant damage during the French revolution of the late 18th century, this national treasure is noted as being on the of the first grand instances of religious gothic architecture to appear of its time, having been built in the height of this 1163 during the reign of King Louis VII. One of the most popular and unquestionably necessary sites of Paris today, visitors can expect to view this magnificent building 365 days of the year, and can also join for mass.

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France

Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens originally belonged to the Luxembourg Palace, but the gardens are now open to be enjoyed by the public. From rose gardens to apple orchards, this garden is perfect for a stroll in the summer, with the fragrance of freshly bloomed flowers, and event in the winter, when you can truly marvel in its formal layout and structure.

Address: 75006 Paris, France

Grand Palais

Built for the 1900 Grand exhibition, this exhibition hall stands out for its glass conservatory-style ceiling and decorated stone facades. Once used to feature and boast France’s growing and prevailing art scene, the public exhibition hall of the Grand Palais has in the past has also been used for a number of different events, showcasing everything from sports, to live musical performances.

Address: 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris, France

Museum Georges Pompidou

Paris’s equivalent to New York’s MoMa or London’s Tate Modern, this gallery is Paris’ modern art museum with one of the finest 20th and 21st century art collection the world has to offer, and is also Europe’s biggest modern art museum. At first unpopular with Paris locals for its exterior appearance, it is now one of the most revered and celebrated structures and sites in this culturally varied city.

Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France

Hotel de Ville

At the centre of French politics is this impressive and architecturally grand building. The Paris city hall that we see today was built in 1873, but a Hotel de Ville has stood on this site since the mid-14th century, until it was burnt down. Rebuilt in the original style, you can still enjoy the exteriors and interiors of this majestic city hall through guided tours and the occasional free exhibition.

Address: Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris, France

Disneyland Paris

We all know Disney has had a close connection with France, with some of the best loved Disney stories being set in the city of Paris itself. Paris seems like a natural choice for the second revival of a Disney theme park. Only a short 45 minute journey, you can step into a whole new world and enjoy a day trip to remember with family your loved ones.

Address: 77777 Marne-la-Vallée, France

Shopping in Paris

The Marais district combines a whirl of creative design with the delights of the Jewish Quarter, around rue des Rosiers, and a magnificently preserved historic centre. Busy streets give way to tiny enclosed squares, gardens and numerous museums, including the Carnavalet, Picasso and the National Archives, housed in mansion houses that rival each other in splendour.”

As one the most fashionable cities in the world, Paris has become synonymous with world-class shopping destinations. The French capital is truly a shopaholics paradise, and there is really too many shops and shopping areas for us to mention, so we’ve named just a few of our favourites.

Le Bon Marché

Hailed as Paris’s ‘First Department Store’, Le Bon Marché opened in 1852 and is still regarded as one of the best today. With floors of luxury fashion retailers and even a food hall where you can recover after a hard day of spending, you can spend hours here window shopping. In fact, if you’re visiting Paris near the Christmas season, Le Bon Marché is worth a visit simply to marvel in their elaborate window displays.

Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France

Galeries Lafayette

There is nothing you can’t find in Galeries Lafayette, with 7 floors you can discover everything ranging from books to music, fashion to food, salons to art galleries. Not only this, but with its huge glass dome and beautiful structured arches stretching over many floors, Galeries Lafayette is largely credited for it cultural heritage, and significance as another example of Paris’s elegant and innovative approach to classic design and architecture.

Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France

BHV Marais

Set in the beating heart of Paris, a stone’s throw away from Île de la Cité and Hotel de Ville, BHV Marais is a must for those who have come to Paris for its world famous shopping scene. Suitably named Mazar de l’Hotel de Ville die to its location, you’d be hard-pressed to find a destination in Paris that offers a more diverse and creative environment, perfect for shopping, exploring or even just watching local Parisians go about their daily lives.

Address: 52 rue de Rivoli 75189 Paris

Fun Facts About Paris

The Eiffel Tower was first built for the 1889 World Fair. However, the iconic building was intended to be temporary and just stand for 20 years.

Visitors can take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, which is fortunate because otherwise they would have to climb a staggering 1,665 steps.

The main bell of the Notre Dame Cathedral is named Emmanuel and weighs over 13 tonnes.

There are a staggering 1,784 bakeries in Paris. That’s a lot of bread.

Food in Paris

As the setting of countless films about food, not least Pixar’s Ratatouille, Paris is as much about finding amazing food as it is about love. In fact, it’s hard not fall in love with the food here. Whether it’s breathing in the smell of freshly baked bread when passing a boulangerie, or dining at one of the city’s many luxury restaurants, Paris is a sensation for the taste buds.

French Bakeries (Boulangeries)

Did you know, not every bakery you come across in France will be a Boulangerie. Bakeries have to follow a certain set of principles and laws in order to per properly considered a Boulangerie, down to the flour they use and where they bake their bread. Luckily, Paris is not short of proper Boulangeries, and what better way to start your day than to pop down to your nearest French bakery and purchase France’s best known export, the baguette.

Ladurée

Paris offers some of the finest pastries and sweets world over and there is no better place to sample some of France’s tooth-tingling delicacies than at Ladurée. Starting as a little known tea room in the 8th district of Paris, Ladurée has made a name for itself internationally for the high standards of its cakes, pastries and confectionery, which shops reaching from London to Japan.

Address: 16-18 Rue Royale, 75008 Paris, France

Epicure

If there is one thing Paris is not short of, it’s fine dining. Epicure, literally meaning the pleasure of fine dining, is a worthy name for one of Paris’s best eateries. Celebrating classical French dishes executed with precision and creativity awarding it three Michelin stars, Epicure makes for a dining experience like no other. This restaurant comes with a dress code, and whilst a suit jacket is required, a tie is not.

Address: 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France

Du Clercq – Les Rois de la Frite

For something altogether different but by no means any less quintessentially French, head down to ‘The King of the Fries’. Prepared traditionally using beef fat and the double fry method, their speciality of a cone of fries makes for the perfect lunchtime budget treat, or even a sobering night time snack.

Address: 169 Rue Montmartre, 75002 Paris, France

Sacha Finkelsztajn

A family owned restaurant that has been in Finkelsztajn family since 1946, and can hardly be missed with its bright yellow exterior and excellent array of traditional Jewish cuisine.

Address: 27 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France

Nightlife in Paris

Alongside its many other wonderful qualities, Paris has an amazing nightlife scene. Whether you want to take in a show at the famous Moulin Rouge, or spend the night drinking wine at one of the city’s many bars, Paris is as captivating at night time as it is during the day.

Moulin Rouge

The world’s best known cabaret show and dance hall, the Moulin Rouge first opened its doors to the public in 1889. It has come a long way since then, and far from being situated in the more dangerous and seedy part of Paris’s 9th district, it is now at the heart of the city’s vibrant and creative centre. You can still visit the Moulin Rouge today, and enjoy an evening show – though book in advance as these shows are still just as popular today.

Address: 63 Park Rd, Regent’s Park, London NW1 6XU

Le Caveau des Oubilettes

Hidden below Paris’s bustling streets is a whole other world. Dimly lit with low arching ceilings, this intimate venue comes to life after dark, with some of the best Jazz the city has on offer. You may be hard-pressed to get yourself a seat at one of its few tables, and whilst drinks are not cheap, it is more than worth a visit for the chance to shuffle to one of their nightly jam sessions.

Address: 52 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris, France

Café Beaubourg

With its excellent central location, right around the corner from Hotel de Ville and with a view of the Museum Georges Pompidou, Cafe Beaubourg is the prime spot to take a step back from the hustle and bustle, and enjoy watching this vibrant city and its people come to life at night. In the winter, the perfect place to to have a special night out in the City of Love, and in the summer, with entertainment in the square which this cafe come bar overlooks, the ideal place to sit outside as the sun begins to set and drink a little too much wine.

Address: 43 Rue Saint-Merri, 75004 Paris, France

Batofar

A little different to your usual clubbing destination, Batofar is happily situated right in the Seine. That’s right. Not on the banks of the Seine, but in the Seine itself. This light house boat has been beautifully restored and now plays host to one of Paris’s liveliest and most unique clubbing experiences. Bright red and impossible to miss, this vessel is capable of staying afloat with up to 300 merrymakers aboard, and is open to the early hours of the eve all year round.

Address: 11 Quai François Mauriac, 75013 Paris, France

Top Tips for Travelling to Paris

Restaurants will add service charge by law, this is usually 15%. Taxi drivers do usually expect a small tip of 5% to 10%.

Paris is a very popular destination for tourists. You should book accommodation and make reservations for high-end/popular restaurants well in advance to avoid being disappointed.

Paris can be very difficult to navigate. Make sure you purchase a city map, or hire a tour guide for your visit.

Unless you have particularly high transaction fees, ATMs are usually the best and easiest way to deal with currency exchange. It is best not to carry too much cash on you.

Hotels in Paris

Luxury Hotels in Paris

Located in a beautiful historical building that dates back to the 16th century, for those who can afford it (rooms run into the thousands of Euros), Hôtel de Crillon A Rosewood Hotel offers luxury like no over. Located, ideally, at the foot of the Champs-Élysées, this hotel boasts 124 rooms and 46 suites, with three restaurants, a bar, a wonderful outdoor terrace and a gym.

Radisson Blu is known throughout the world for the quality of their luxury hotels, and this Paris branch is no different. Radisson Blu Hotel Champs Elysées, Paris is within a 10-minute walk of noteworthy attractions like the Arc de Triomphe, Baccarat Museum and the American Cathedral in Paris. The Grand Palais and Eiffel Tower are also not much more than a stone’s throw away.

Another chain that has experience in delivering perfection, Hyatt Paris Madeleine is simply fabulous. In addition to an excellent full-service spa, Hyatt Paris Madeleine features a sauna and a 24-hour fitness centre. There are two restaurants onsite, a tasteful lounge where guests can relax with a drink or two, and free Wi-Fi. This five-star hotel is the perfect place to enjoy the City of Love in luxury.

Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel is amongst the best contemporary hotels in the city. Here, visitors tired of taking in history all day can relax in large modern tastefully designed suites. The hotel does include all the things you could come to expect from a 5-star establishment, an onsite restaurant, a cosy lounge area and a 24-hour fitness centre.

Mid-Range Hotels in Paris

The rooms at the Le Grand Hotel de Normandie are always spacious, tastefully decorated and clean. This hotel is located in the 9th Arrondissement, within a 10-minute walk of Theatre Mogador, Galeries Lafayette and Paris Opera. In fact, Moulin Rouge is also within one mile of the hotel. This contemporary 4-star hotel is really on the upper end of mid-range, but guests can expect everything to be done to as near to perfection as it is possible to get.

Le Relais Montmartre is a homely and romantic hotel within walking distance to the Moulin Rouge. If you’re heading to Paris to indulge in some retail therapy, the iconic Galeries Lafayette is also close by. Guests can expect a 24-hour room service, concierge services and dry cleaning, as well as the library, are on-site, what’s not to love?

Residhome Appart Hotel Paris-Opéra is another truly excellent hotel located in the 9th Arrondissement that falls into the mid-range category. Residhome Appart Hotel Paris-Opéra features tour or ticket assistance, multilingual staff and concierge services. Each apartment here will feel like a home away from home and features a kitchen with a refrigerator and a microwave, plus free WiFi and an LCD TV with satellite channels.

If you want to spend your holiday in Paris at a hotel that offers comfort for a reasonable price, Plessis Grand Hôtel is a safe bet. Wireless Internet access is complimentary, there’s a bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink, and guests can enjoy complimentary newspapers in the lobby as well as dry cleaning/laundry services.

Budget Hotels in Pris

Hotel Charlemagne is a modern quirky hotel located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, this hotel is within 2 miles (3 km) of Bois de Boulogne, Palais des Congres de Paris and Grande Arche. If you’re staying at one of the 40 rooms here, you can expect free newspapers, tour/ticket assistance, free WiFi, minibars and LCD TVs.

Lagrange Apart’HOTEL Paris is another excellent hotel. The rooms are nicely furnished, with wallpaper that tips its cap to the City of Love. Lagrange Apart’HOTEL Paris/ Boulogne also features a sauna and a fitness centre. There are multilingual staff, complimentary newspapers and on-site laundry facilities. The hotel is located in the business district, which is not within walking distance to any of the main attractions.

Residhome Bois-Colombes Monceau is another 3-star hotel that offers a comfortable place to use as a base during your holiday in Paris. Situated in Bois-Colombes, this aparthotel is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Grande Arche and 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Palais des Congres de Paris.

For more hotels in Paris, explore the Expedia Singapore website and find the best accommodation for your stay.

Getting Around In Paris

Paris is a large city than spanning over 20 arrondissements, and as with most capitals in Europe, can be a bit of a nightmare to drive in. By far the best way and most efficient way to view this city is via its intricate metro system, which consists of 16 lines and 300 stations.

Free metro maps are available at stations or can be accessed online, and offer a detailed overview of Paris’s underground network. You can purchase metro tickets from any metro station, RER, tram station or on buses, and start from €1,90 for a single journey, or you can buy a carnet of tickets for €14.50, depending on how often you expect to travel. You can use these tickets on ny form of Paris public transportation, so you are not restricted to just metro use.

Alternatively, you can purchase unlimited tourist travel passes which you can buy for one, two, three or five days. This will allow you to travel through zones 1-3 freely during your time in Paris, and enable you to visit all the major tourist sites and hot spots.

Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris has a constant flow of tourism all year round, however there are certain periods to avoid if you want to get the most out of your budget, and not get trapped with inflated prices, fully booked hotels and restaurants, and lengthy queues at tourist hot spots.

The summer months are naturally the busiest, and with June to August offering the best in weather, many tourists flock to Paris to experience a summer in the city. However, if you head to Paris during April/ May, or just after high season in September/October, you will see noticeable improvements on crowds and rates, and there is still a good chance of catching a few days of early summertime weather, or last minute heat waves that are not unknown to this part of Europe.

For those who really want to beat the throngs, January and February are ideal times to visit. After Christmas and New Year, prices drop and the city is probably at its quietest for tourism. That said, a little bit of rain in no way makes this city any less romantic or vibrant, and gives visitors during this time the perfect excuse to take shelter and head to one of Paris’s many intimate cafes or candle lit bars, to sit back and experience city at its best.

Hotels in Singapore

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